ILSb/ICBB 2009 Judging Panel
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Mike Zuhl
Master Mike Zuhl is the founder, past owner and past producer of
the International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy contests, as well as the
International Community Bootblack contest, the first bootblack
contest open to contestants from all walks of life. During his
tenure as executive producer, DCI Productions and its regional
sponsors raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for national
and local charities and relief organizations. In 2005, Master
Mike founded the Leather Community Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund,
the first and only natural disaster relief fund targeted
specifically for the leather community.
Master Mike is currently the Head Judge Emeritus of the ILSb
contests, which have been produced by Leather Heritage LLC since 2008.
Master Mike previously produced the International Mr. Drummer and
Drummerboy contests from 1999 to 2001, and the Pennsylvania Mr.
Drummer and Drummerboy contests from 1998 to 2001.
Master Mike's current passion is the Leather Skills Certification
Council, a certification program open to all who wish to obtain
different levels of skill certifications within our leather kink
lifestyle. This will be an online process with peer review
conducted anonymously by certified Leathermen and Leatherwomen.
The LSCC is open to tops, bottoms, Masters, slaves, Sirs, boys
and others who wish to be certified in their Leather Lifestyle skills.
Master Mike is a dedicated Leatherman who has been teaching his
leather skills to others for the past 25 years. He won Pantheon
of Leather awards for the 2002 Community Choice Man of the Year,
1999 President's Award, and 2007 Couple of the Year (with his
partner Matt). He is a member of BLUF and a board member of
Cleveland Leather Awareness weekend (CLAW). Master Mike is a
charter member of Recon.com and hosted the Recon social parties
at IML. He has judged leather contests all over North America,
including International Mr. Leather 2005, Mr. Mid Atlantic
Leather 2002 and Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2003. (He was the
"accidental" Tally Master for M. Cuir Montreal in 2006,
awarding the title to a man who went on to become International
Mr. Leather.) Master Mike has mentored contestants and rallied
the leather community for more than 25 years. He is the
proprietor of Leather Central Bar located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Master Mike lives with his partner of 12 years, slave and boy,
and has nurtured a leather family from coast to coast.
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boy "pup" Sparky
Pup Sparky came into the Leather lifestyle 5 years ago. With the
love and support of his Leather family he has been able to learn
and grow both as a leather person and human being. Pup play,
biting and duct tape are but a few of his passions.
Sparky has held the titles of International Leatherboy 2007,
South Central Leatherboy 2007 and Oklahoma Leatherboy 2007. He
has presented and hosted classes/seminars/talks at; Tribal Fire,
Tulsa Mr. Leather, Oklahoma Mr. Leather, KCLU, Heart of America,
Rio Grande Leather, Beyond Leather, Leather in the Woods,
Gathering of the Clans, Southplains Leatherfest, Great Lakes
Leather Alliance, Bearadise, Beyond Vanilla, Leather Camp,
HalloBearfest, Thunder in the Mountains, Spring Inequity,
TDS and MAL. He is part of Mama's family as Mama's pup Sparky
and the newest member of the Oklahoma Leather Guard.
Whenever in doubt, Sparky lets his own innate pup guide him
through the mosh pit that is life. He believes that a boy's
mission is service both to his Sir and community. Both should
always be done with the passion and playfulness that is innate
to the spirit of a boy. While finishing his culinary arts degree,
Sparky has opened his own business with the help of Sir Olivier
called Sparky's Cheesecake Doghouse. With a new residence, a
caring home environment, and diet and exercise Sparky has
"lost 180 lbs of extra weight."
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Photo: Mark I Chester
boyjean
boyjean has been involved in the Leather life for over 16 years
and has identified as a boy for as long as he can remember.
he is part of the organizing with Leather Traditions, an
organization providing educational opportunities for member
of our Leather Community, participates with the Northern
California Bootblacks, and volunteers his services locally for
workshops, panels, and fund-raising events. he had the pleasure
of serving as Northern California Community Bootblack 2007
and International Community Bootblack 2007. he has the privilege
and honor of being collared to his Sir/Daddy and regards
service as a passion that comes from the heart.
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Daddy Sal Hopkins
Daddy Sal Hopkins has been a part of the Leather Community and
an activist for 20 years. She is a founder and past coordinator of
The Exiles in San Francisco as well as past producer of the SF
Dyke Daddy/Diva Contest, She has also organized numerous events and
fundraising efforts including "SF Unleashed" Play Parties. Most
recently her efforts include participation in "Leather Traditions,"
a group that organizes weekends for exploring the leather lifestyle.
Her participation in the community comes from a passion for the
Leather lifestyle, for education and for mentoring.
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Ms V
Ms. V holds the title of International Ms. Bootblack 2007. She is a
native Californian and resides in Pt. Richmond. As an active member
in the Leather Community for the last 6 years, she has graduated
and presented at the Journeyman III Academy of California and
has represented them on the Leather Forum. She is also a
proud member of Mama's Family, Northern California Bootblacks,
the Exiles, and participates in the Leatherman's Discussion Group.
Whether a tallymistress or judge, her service to the Leather
community has taken her to contests spanning Wichita to Toronto
and all points in between. She enjoys sharing her rich experience
in leather on various panels, as a demonstrator, and a presenter.
Her past collaborations include fundraisers and benefits for a
variety of organizations leather and non leather which include:
Aids Housing Alliance, PAWS, NCSF, Stop Aids Project and
other beneficiaries associated with S.F. Pride, Dore Alley Fair
and The Folsom Street Fair. Her interests include cinema,
mountain biking, dancing, writing, traveling and house music.
She is honored to be a judge for the 2009
International LeatherSIR/Leatherboy and International Community
Bootblack Contest.
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David Kloss
David Kloss, representing the city of San Francisco, was the first man ever chosen to hold the title of International Mr. Leather in 1979. His primary career, spanning two decades, was in the international offshore oil exploration industry. But in 1991, due to disability from HIV/AIDS, David left the oil industry and began to focus his energies in assisting others suffering with the same disease.
For over twelve years, David had been a member on the Boards of Directors of three separate HIV/AIDS organizations: The Assistance Fund in Houston; HIV Wellness Center in Austin; Folsom Events (formerly SMMILE) in San Francisco. The latter has gained worldwide recognition for producing the "Up Your Alley" and "Folsom Street" Fairs. David served as Treasurer on all three boards, Administrator on one, and, in San Francisco, was Committee Chairman for the nationally acclaimed South of Market (SOMA) Bare Chest Calendar for two years. During David's tenure on these organizations, he was proud to have been a key participant in helping raise well over $1,500,000 for those in need.
David's dedicated and selfless community service has earned him a number of awards. In Houston, he was nominated for Volunteer of the Year Award and in Austin; a room at the HIV Wellness Center was named in his honor. In 2002 David received the National Leather Emerald Award from the Washington State Leather Organization, as well as the honor of having the Bare Chest Calendar Board dedicate its 2003 Calendar to him for his outstanding commitment to the project's success. Along with the Philip M. Turner "Star" Achievement Award for loyalty, devotion and outstanding achievement within the San Francisco Leather Community, David has also been presented with Certificates of Honor from the Mayor of San Francisco and the city's Board of Supervisors on two separate occasions.
At the end of 2002, David relocated to Toronto, Canada to share his life with his partner, Remi Collette, a native of Canada. Blessed by Ontario's adoption of same sex marriage legislation, David and Remi were united on July 11, 2003. Being one of the first couples taking advantage of Ontario's new law, and also due to David's having to leave the United States to be with Remi, their marriage was featured in the Canadian press as well as the New York Times. Additionally, they were selected 2003 Couple of the Year by the Pantheon of Leather.
David's commitment to helping others in need has not changed its focus, only its geographic locality. Since moving to Toronto, he became a volunteer with the Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition organization, notably as a member of the Judge’s Selection Panel. In 2003 he was also instrumental in forming the new committee which produced an event called the Church Street Fetish Fair. In the position of Executive Producer, he successfully created the first event in August 2004, with the goal of assisting the Church Street Business Improvement Area in Toronto and the Toronto Community at large. The Board of the Church-Wellesley Village Business Improvement Area has presented him with a citation for his work in producing the event. David’s charitable perseverance has also been acknowledged when he received an Award of Commendation from the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
In the last few years, both David and Remi have been outspoken concerning Gay rights and the issue of Gay marriage in the United States. Their involvement has resulted in interviews in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Reason Magazine, the Toronto Star, as well as Omni television, Global News and PBS. A documentary featuring David, Remi and four others from around the world, now living in Canada, was released in the fall of 2004 by Film Blanc and Omni television. It highlighted Gay issues internationally, delivered in six languages. It was awarded the Canadian Broadcasters Association Red Ribbon Award in the Document category in 2005.
David continues to be active in Leather events, judging many Leather contests as well as acting as emcee and/or auctioneer when requested across the United States and Canada. Instrumental in starting the Church Street Fetish Fair he served as the Executive Producer for three successful years bringing crowds to another of Toronto’s many annual cultural events. Up to the end of 2005, he was one of two directors of Leather and Bear Tours (aka Beef Dip.com) with his partner, Steve Buczek.
David became a Landed Immigrant in 2005 and was sworn in as a Canadian citizen on October 21st, 2008.
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Ray Perea
Ray is the "first elected Mr. Drummer" winning the title at
the first Mr. Drummer competition in San Francisco in 1981. In addition
to representing a magazine and philosophy dedicated to an uninhibited
exploration of man to man KINK, FETISH, LEATHER and BDSM sex play,
Ray has since dedicated his time and energy in the service of our
community, particularly in the service of those stricken with HIV/AIDS.
From all the Men Behind Bars Shanti fundraisers in the early 80's to
the Paradise Runs as a volunteer and client advocate with the
Big Island Aids Project on the Big Island Hawaii in the 90's
to currently volunteering with the Desert Aids Project in Palm Springs,
Ray continues to dedicate his time and energy assisting with our
series of fundraisers in addition to promoting safe sex and safe
sex education as a member of DAP's condom club.
Ray is a Vietnam era veteran and as a member of American Veterans
for Equal Rights has raised funds for this gay veterans
organization lobbying for the abolishment of "Don't Ask Don't Tell."
Ray is also a volunteer with Equality California working for the
right to marry for all gay men and women in California.
Ray currently lives in the Palm Springs area with his husband Skii
Perkowski. Ray and Skii have been together for thirty-three years
and are proud to be among the eighteen thousand legally married
same-sex couples in California. Ray congratulates all the Sir, boy
and Bootblack contestants for their courage in competing and their
dedication to their community. Much Love to all my brothers and
sisters in the KINK, FETISH, LEATHER and BDSM community.
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Graylin Thornton
Graylin K. Thornton is known as sigma to his leather family
and currently resides in San Francisco.
In Northern California Graylin became one of the original members
of the South Bay Leather and Uniform Group (SLUG) and produced
their first title contest. His involvement with (SLUG) continued
as he went on to produce more contests, events and eventually the
first South Bay Leatherfest. In 1991, Graylin Thornton produced the
first Ebony Leather Contest in San Francisco, which was developed
to bring the leather lifestyle to more people of color. In 1993
Graylin Thornton won the title of Northern California Mr. Drummer
and later went on to win the title of International Mr. Drummer and
unfortunately remains the only person of color to ever hold that
title. Mr. Thornton is the former co-chair of San Diego Leather
Pride as well as the former producer of the Mr. San Diego Leather
Contest, Northern and Southern California Drummer and
Southern California LeatherSIR .
A former editor of International Leatherman/Powerplay and GBM
magazines, Graylin is co-owner of Grey Rose Video Productions and
has received several AVN awards for his work in the adult
entertainment industry. Mr. Thornton has been actively involved
with Project Open Hand and is a former board member of New Leaf
Services for the Community in San Francisco. A Pantheon of Leather
Award recipient, Graylin was a member of the Leather Leadership
Committee of San Francisco and went on to serve on the LLC National
Board of Directors and more recently the LLC Emeritus Board.
Graylin Thornton is extremely honored to be recognized by the
National Gay and Lesbian Task force and believes strongly in
their mission "to build the grassroots power of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender community."
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Dave Carranza
David Carranza has been involved in the Leather Community for over
22 years. He is co-owner and founder of Leather Masters in San Jose,
California and Dallas Texas. In 1994 Leather Masters sponsored the
winning contestants for International Mr. Leather 1994, Jeff Tucker,
International Ms. Leather 1995 Pat Baillie and International Drummer
1994 Graylan Thorton. David was also the founder of Slouthbay Leather
Uniform Group in San Jose, Calif where he was an executive board
member for several years. During S.L.U.G.'s hayday they had over
386 members all over the bay area. David also held the Southbay
Drummer Title in 1991. He was also very active with Santa Clara
County Leather Association, which is a pansexual organization that
strives to educate, raise funds and be a social outlets for kinky
folks. He produced many Leather Weekends, Contests, Play Parties,
SM Tastings and many fundraising events during his years with
SCCLA. In 2001 Dave also a founded and is a current member of
The Brotherhood SJ which is a men only play group in San Jose Calif.
He is on his second year as Silent Auction chaire for Beyond Vanilla
in Dallas as well as a pledge for Discipline Leather Corp, and
produces play parties in the Dallas area.
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Mr Marcus Hernandez
Celebrating his 37th year as the leather columnist in San Francisco's
Bay Area Reporter,
(Mr.) Marcus Hernandez has been covering the worldwide leather scene
since October 1971. He has contributed articles and photos to
Drummer Magazine, The Leather Journal, the annual Internationl Mr.
Leather Program, the annual International Mr. Drummer Program
and many other publications.
He has been honored as the Outstanding Columnist in the public
voting for San Francisco's Cable Car Awards so many times, he
was taken out of contention and placed in the Hall of Fame in that category.
Marcus has received numerous other awards including two
Pantheon of Leather awards, the National Emerald Award and tributes
from the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the Secretary of State
of California and San Francisco's Inter-Club Fund Motorcycle Awards
the latest being Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.
Marcus has been judging International Mr. Leather since 1980 and
is now the Judge Emeritus for life on that panel. He has judged
leather contests from coast to coast, in Canada and in Europe and
is also the Judge Emeritus for the American Brotherhood Weekend
titles. He was the Judges' Coordinator for International
Mr. Drummer for some seven years and is on the board of directors
of the Mr. San Francisco Leather Contest.
The recent mayor of San Francisco (Willie L. Brown, Jr.) honored
Marcus by proclaiming the entire month of November 2000 as
Mr. Marcus Month in honor of his 31st year milestone as the
leather columnist in San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter.
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